DATIL PEPPER FESTIVAL * SATURDAY OCTOBER 23
Come learn about the spicy little pepper that is a great part of St. Augustine’s epicurean history. Taste local dishes and purchase pepper products along with plants and garden décor when top chefs representing St. Augustine’s restaurants will gather at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds to compete in this year’s Datil Pepper Cook-Off Contest. The Datil pepper has been used in St. Augustine since the 1800s, especially by the Minorcan community in many traditional local dishes such as chowder, pilau, hot sauces, and jellies. The fun all takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fair Grounds, SR 207 in Elkton. For more information call 904.209.0430.
SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR * SATURDAY OCTOBER 23
Be a guest of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and enjoy viewing the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue in St. Augustine. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members.www.staugustinelighthouse.com. For reservations, call Pam at 904.829.0745.
WASHINGTON OAKS BIKE TOUR * SATURDAY OCTOBER 23
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Florida Park Service with a guided bike tour through the cultural history of the grounds and gardens of Washington Oaks State Park. Bring your own bike, helmet and drinking water. The tour departs at 10:30 a.m. from the Garden parking lot. The cost of the tour is included in the regular admission of $5 per vehicle with up to eight passengers; $4 for single-passenger vehicles and $2 per bicyclist. Washington Oaks State Park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard (A1A) in Palm Coast. For more information, call 386. 446-6783.
FLAVORS OF FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST: Throughout the month of October, more than 20 outstanding restaurants in St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra will be offering special Prix Fixe (fixed-priced) menus featuring luncheon and dinner specials that showcase their special culinary flair. For details on participating restaurants, as well as their Prix Fixe menus, go to www.HistoricCoastFlavors.com .
The St. Francis Inn located in St. Augustine, Florida, still has Our Beach House available to rent for this weekend – imagine yourself watching the moonrise with your feet in the sand and the sound of the surf in your ears…HEAVEN!